Rookes History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsRookes is a name whose history is entwined with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It was a name for a person who because of their physical characteristics was known as a "rook," from the black-feathered bird of the same name, similar to a sparrow, but has a whitish area on its face. 1 In this case the surname refers to those individuals who have black hair or dark complexions. 2 3 Alternatively, the name could have been from the Middle English "atter oke, atte roke" meaning "at the oak." 4 Early Origins of the Rookes familyThe surname Rookes was first found in Worcestershire where Robert Dellroc was recorded c. 1182. In Somerset, we found Peter de la Roke in the Assie Rolls for 1243 and later back in Worcestershire, Richard del Ak was recorded in 1275 and Richard atte Rok was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. Again in Worcestershire, we found Geoffrey atte Ock in 1296 and Geoffrey atter Ok in 1332. 4 Geoffrey le Roke, William le Ruk and Adam le Roc were both listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 2 A few years later during the rule of King Edward III (1312-1377), Richard le Rouke and Hugh le Rook were listed as holding lands in Somerset. 5 Early History of the Rookes familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rookes research. Another 165 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1606, 1622, 1623, 1624, 1650, 1662, 1665, 1672, 1673, 1685, 1688, 1691, 1704, 1709 and 1820 are included under the topic Early Rookes History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Rookes Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Rookes were recorded, including Rook, Rooke, Rookes, Rooks, Roke and others. Early Notables of the Rookes familyDistinguished members of the family include Admiral of the Fleet Sir George Rooke (1650-1709), an English naval commander, probably best known for capturing Gibraltar for the British in 1704. He was second son of Sir William Rooke (1624-1691) of St. Laurence, Canterbury, sheriff of Kent (1685-1688), and nephew of Lawrence Rooke [q. v.] In 1672 he was lieutenant of the London, flagship of Sir Edward Spragge, in the Battle of Solebay. In 1673 he was again with Spragge, as lieutenant of the Royal Prince...
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Rookes family emigrate to North America: Rookes Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Rookes Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Rookes Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. Motto: Efflorescent cornices dum micat sol Motto Translation: Rooks will flourish while the sun shines.
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